Each day has turned into a minor quest to find a home. Searching online, touring on the weekends and weeknights, and attending open houses has enabled us to learn what each area we explore has to offer. It’s fun and exciting, and nerve-wrecking at times. We’ve been quite fortunate, too, as our realtor has been incredible. She’s listened to what we’re looking for and has been able to give us invaluable insight with each neighborhood and the market fluctuations.

Yesterday, we continued our search and though we haven’t found a place just yet, our realtor hit a home run with our lunch spot. Did I mention that she’s great with people and understands their needs? Knowing my gluten allergy she took us to a restaurant that would be accommodating and delicious. California Pizza Kitchen recently updated their menu, and they highlighted the specific dishes that are gluten-free (just look for the “GF” symbol). Our waitress, Lauren, was extremely pleasant while going through the new menu, and when questioned about ingredients in specific dishes she knew why a dish was unsafe and the times she didn’t know she discussed it with the chef. I was so appreciative of the extra effort she put in to ensure my meal was safe, and she never rushed through even though it was lunch hour and every table was filled with a line out the door. Currently, the main dishes that are gluten-free are their salads, and I’m not talking about your typical Greek or Garden, I’m talking off-the-wall types like their Moroccan-Spiced Chicken salad. You get a salad that is such a unique blend of fresh ingredients. I’ve never been a huge fan of mixing fruits and veggies, but the cranberries and dates were a great compliment to the beets and butternut squash, and the roasted almonds added a great crunch. Even the champagne vinaigrette dressing was a sweet and savory blend. The spice part of the meal came through with the chicken. Simple yet packs a flavorful punch.

.

They also give two options, a half or full size. Of course I opted for the full size. I certainly plan on going back, and right now they’re offering a special ‘Thank You’ promotion where they give you an envelope and the next time you visit your waiter opens it to see what your gift is. I would go back even without the promotion, but it is a nice little bonus!

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a happy hour with my colleagues. We had reached a big team goal and met up at Havana Bar and Restaurant in New Hope to celebrate. Normally I would tell you about the gluten-free finds at some restaurant, but this is not a typical post. My experience was one where I had a great time mingling with my teammates and in the process I was just amazed at the size of these gigantic onion rings that were covered in bread crumbs, and deep-fried in gluten laden oil. Not gluten-free but I just had to share a picture of these simply for their size and the huge bowl of cheese for dipping.

Ever find yourself driving home after a long week, no idea what to make for dinner, and all you want to do is just sit on the sofa, snap your fingers and “POOF!” dinner is in front of you? Coming back after a long Saturday at work that is exactly what I wanted – the night off (and that included cooking).

With limited dinner options at home I went to Wegmans and found myself wandering the gluten-free isle. I was tired and hungry, and had no idea what I felt like eating. Make something from scratch? Semi-homemade? Prepared? Moseying through the products I found myself staring at the pizza crusts and realized pizza was quick and easy. Then I started looking at the personal pan gluten-free pizzas and decided I should try one. I couldn’t remember the last time I made a pizza, and I certainly have never paid the money for a small prepared one as they can be costly. As a treat to myself the prepared pizza was the winner, and I picked a good one too.

Conte’s Margherita Pizza with Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil was absolutely delicious. Compared to other brands I’ve tried, this one was pretty good. While it’s tough to replace your local pizza shop pie, Conte’s does satisfy the pizza craving. The best part about the pizza was the packaging – you could buy it right off the shelf and put it in the oven! When I buy this again I would probably let it cook a little longer or for the last few minutes I would remove it from the tray just so I could have the crust crisp up a little more.

I’m not a mushy, lovey-dovey type person, so to see all the hearts, candy, flowers, cards and jewelry for this particular day can turn me off a bit. It feels like once again the meaning is lost in this commercialized holiday.

However, given my pessimistic view that I’ve expressed thus far, the meaning I attribute to Valentines Day is something I should carry forward everyday. There are far too many important people in my life to list, and all too often I get caught up in work, daily life chores etc., and I know I don’t express my gratitude to those that deserve it. I don’t care if you have 1 person or 10, or even a pet, make time at least for today to spend it with that person. No need to spend tons of money on fancy things, putting in the time effort and being sincere in your gesture has a greater impact.

So tonight, I’m lucky enough to be spending time with someone who is important in my life, and of course I’m cooking a simple but delicious gluten-free meal. I’ll be posting it later on, but just note dessert is included :)

“The most intense conflicts, if overcome, leave behind a sense of security & calm that is not easily disturbed.”

-Carl Jung (1875-1961), Swiss psychotherapist and psychiatrist who founded analytical psychology. I Read this today and thought I’d share. Doesn’t matter if you’re newly diagnosed, in maintenance mode or just trying to stick to that New Year’s resolution, some tasks can be hard. If it matters, don’t give up!

It’s beyond cold outside and all I can think about is being warm. My mindset is to make and eat anything that is hot. In the mornings I’m making Bob’s Mighty tasty Gluten-Free Hot Cereal (and it gives a nice fiber punch!) with tea, and you bet I’m eating soup or stews for lunch and dinner. Last night after a great run I made a hearty split pea soup, which warmed me up nicely after my body started to cool down from the run.

Split Pea Soup – Dinner!

I decided to make this since I had leftover ham steaks that were on sale. This dish won’t be ready in an instant as the split peas require some cooking time.

Ingredients:

1 lb green split peas (rinsed)

2 T oil

3 cloves garlic

2 onions diced

3 stalks celery diced

3 large carrots diced

2 ham steaks (or a ham bone if you have one)

8 cups water (you may need more depending on the amount of veggies you include)

It’s 8am, and as we head out for the day’s adventure I find out we are picking up sandwiches instead of stopping somewhere later in the day. Of course I have my snacks on me (I’ve been known to carry a grocery bag in my car or snacks in my purse at all times), but a bag of nuts and dried fruit only hold you over for so long. Now what? Queue Wawa.

Wawa is the perfect spot to stop in the morning hours to help you prep your day. Coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and of course the ever reliable hoagie. Until recently I didn’t think a Wawa hoagie could be an option, but it is!! In the last two months on 3 separate occasions I have been pleasantly surprised by the staff, and their willingness to accommodate the gluten-free diet*. They still require you to enter your order in the kiosk, and then you give them the number so they can take precaution against cross-contamination. They change their gloves, use a clean work area, and put the contents of the hoagie order in a nice resealable container minus the roll. They even package the mayo or mustard in a convenient little container too. All you need to do is provide the roll.

Maybe they will even have a gluten-free roll as an option one day soon??

Thanks Wawa for allowing me to have the closest thing to a hoagie :)

*Always make sure you explain your needs to that you have a safe meal.